Structural Heart Disease

Structural heart diseases include any issues preventing normal cardiovascular function due to damage or alteration to the anatomical components of the heart. This is caused by aging, advanced atherosclerosis, calcification, tissue degeneration, congenital heart defects and heart failure. The most commonly treated areas are the heart valves, in particular the mitral and aortic valves. These can be replaced through open heart surgery or using cath lab-based transcatheter valves or repairs to eliminate regurgitation due to faulty valve leaflets. This includes transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Other common procedures include left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion and closing congenital holes in the heart, such as PFO and ASD. A growing area includes transcatheter mitral repair or replacement and transcatheter tricuspid valve repair and replacement.

Myval TAVR valve associated with positive durability data after 4 years
Researchers have been spending more and more time evaluating the Myval TAVR valve from Indian medtech company Meril Life Sciences. The balloon-expandable device is available in some parts of the world, but not the United States.
Medicare now covers TriClip procedures for patients with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation
CMS has finalized a new national coverage determination for T-TEER, sometimes known as transcatheter tricuspid valve repair. Abbott's TriClip is the only device approved by the FDA for T-TEER, but other treatment options are under development.
New TAVR valve from MiRus linked to positive early outcomes
The Siegel TAVR valve includes no nickel or cobalt. In fact, its frame was built using special alloys specifically developed by MiRus.
Cusp overlap technique improves TAVR outcomes, new meta-analysis confirms
The new study, based on 14 different clinical trials, highlights why so many care teams have already adopted the cusp overlap technique when implanting self-expanding TAVR valves.
At a crossroads: Surgical heart valve innovation slows as transcatheter treatments keep evolving
Has the success of TAVR and other interventional techniques had a negative impact on surgical valve innovation? Two surgeons shared their concerns in a new commentary.

Edwards Lifesciences announces key approval for new mitral valve replacement system

The Sapien M3 device was designed to treat symptomatic mitral regurgitation in patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.

A majority of medical devices involved in Class I recalls were never required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo premarket or postmarket clinical testing, according to new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.[1]

Why surgery, not TAVR, remains the best treatment for some AS patients

TAVR is being used in more patients to treat severe aortic stenosis. However, according to a new commentary piece, SAVR is still the smartest treatment option for certain populations, including younger patients with bicuspid aortic valves.

Raj Makkar, MD, director, interventional cardiology, director, Interventional Cardiology Research Program and professor of medicine, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Hospital, presented the late-breaking Align-AR clinical trial at ACC 2025 on the first 500 patients treated for aortic regurgitation using the Jena Valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) device.

First 500 patients in Align-AR trial using TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation show strong outcomes

Raj Makkar, MD, Cedars-Sinai, explains the late-breaking data from the Align-AR trial on the first 500 patients treated for aortic regurgitation using the Jena Valve TAVR device.

The Agitation Solutions Orbis Microbubble Generator simplifies and streamlines the process of saline agitation and delivery for cardiac bubble studies using a single use syringe. It is was cleared for use in Canada in 2024.

Right heart cardiac ultrasound contrast agent for shunts enters U.S. trial

Currently there are no FDA cleared echocardiography contrast agents commercially available for use on the right side of the heart to detect shunts, but a new agent that promises to improve workflow and imaging is about to enter a U.S. trial.

Michael Reardon, MD, explained the low-risk Evolut 5-year results of TAVR vs. SAVR at ACC 2025. #ACC #ACC25 #ACC2025

5-year Evolut Low Risk Data: Durable clinical outcomes, outstanding valve performance

Sponsored by Medtronic

The late-breaking five-year results of the Evolut Low-Risk Trial presented at ACC.25 showed positive results for the Evolut TAVR system when compared to SAVR.

Deaths after TAVR are on the rise: Is the pandemic to blame or should cardiologists be concerned?

COVID-19 may help explain the increased rates of cardiac and noncardiac mortality among TAVR patients, but there are several other factors to consider as well. Researchers explored nearly 11 years of STS/ACC registry data to learn more.

Venus-PowerX TAVR valve developed by Venus MedTech

Cardiologists perform world’s first TAVR procedures with new fully retrievable valve

Researchers detailed their experience performing the very first TAVR procedures with the Venus-PowerX TAVR valve from Venus MedTech. The valve includes a wire-controlled mechanism that makes it possible to recapture after full deployment.

A simple way to ensure more heart patients with severe AS receive the care they need

Sending helpful alerts through email and the electronic health record can make a significant impact on patient care, according to new data presented at ACC.25 and published in Circulation.

Structural Heart Disease

Myval TAVR valve associated with positive durability data after 4 years

Medicare now covers TriClip procedures for patients with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation

New TAVR valve from MiRus linked to positive early outcomes

Cusp overlap technique improves TAVR outcomes, new meta-analysis confirms

At a crossroads: Surgical heart valve innovation slows as transcatheter treatments keep evolving